Tamiya TG10 Mk.2 Chassis Build Thread to Pro Spec

[futureworks 1038]

Having today mentioned in the ‘What have you done today’ thread in the General section that I’d decided to crack into this NIB kit and build it, I thought I should do at least a brief build thread in the nitro section. The 44042 TG10 Mk.2 chassis kit was released in 2004, first as the kit I have (which is without engine, manifold & muffler, and air filter), and then as a ‘Pro’ version 44048 which included all these items plus some others. I’ve collected all the correct parts (brand new) for the Pro upgrade and more, which include:

- FS-12R engine

- TM-9 manifold and muffler set

- 41054 Air filter

- 53885 Front One Way

- 54683 Carbon Upper Deck

- 53743 & 53746 F&R Sponge Tyres (my kit has rubber, Pro has sponge)

One extra upgrade on top of the Pro spec is a 53797 blue alu engine mount specifically for the FS-12R engine. I also have a FR-15S which I think would work also with the rear exit TM-9 manifold, but more on that much later.

This will be a fairly brief build thread, which I aim to complete over the Xmas break. I’ll add a new post each time I reach the end of a parts bag in the manual (A, then B and so on up to E, maybe more). Having got started today, what strikes me is just the sheer quantity of parts, the amount of lovely Tamiya blue alu in the bags, and the quality of the parts I’ve assembled so far - classic Tamiya of this general period IMO, when we saw the likes of the TG10 Mk.1, the TA03 and 04, TGX, and others. All the screws so far have been hex head as well, so it’s all been a quality experience so far.

More in my next post when I get to the end of parts bag A, and comments and contributions welcome! 

Happy Christmas everyone 🎄

PS if you’re wondering, that’s an old Aiwa 30 mini system hi-fi from the 80’s in the image, as collecting, restoring and using these sort of old quality bits of kit (Aurex too, if you are in the know) is a long-standing sideline/hobby of mine.👍

[futureworks 1038]

So, that’s it for today with the build complete to the end of Bag A - lower suspension arms, brake assembly, and two speed spur gear assembly. Very satisfying build so far!

[svenb 4587]

Nice David

Any titanium screws being used? Looks like it's pretty hopped up👍🏻

[futureworks 1038]

You do like those titanium screws don’t you Steve! As it happens, Tamiya did make a full set 53740 for the TG10 Mk.2 comprising 97 screws, but no, on this occasion I’m just using the standard ones supplied in the kit 😊. And yes, the standard TG10 Mk.2 chassis kit comes with a whole host of hop up parts as standard. Here’s the manufacturer blurb:

44042 Tamiya - 1/10 RC TG10-Mk.2 CHASSIS KIT 

Since the TG10-Mk.1 was released the engine car market has greatly expanded, with a growing number of new comers entering the engine R/C car scene. To answer growing demand for a more advanced nitro chassis that can provide new challenges, Tamiya now releases the TG10-Mk.2, which has been developed based on looking at the performance of the TG10-Mk.1 and TG10R, and customer feedback. Layout has been greatly modified with engine placed on the right side of chassis for improved air intake and exhaust efficiency, fuel tank and other heavy parts placed in the center, and overall center of gravity lowered for improved cornering.

About the Model

• Shaft driven 4WD 200mm wide chassis 
• Layout has been greatly modified with engine placed on the right side of chassis for improved air intake and exhaust efficiency, fuel tank and other heavy parts placed in the center, and overall center of gravity lowered for improved cornering. 
• Fitted with a two-speed transmission, racing clutch, aluminum TRF dampers, ball connector suspension for easy suspension settings, 4 bevel pinion gears and rear stabilizer. 
• Kit does not include body, engine, muffler or manifold. 
• Chassis is compatible with a .12 rear exhaust engine (with SG shaft) without coil starter. 
• A starter box must be purchased separately to start engine. 

 

*Body, engine, muffler and manifold sold separately.

[futureworks 1038]

Not quite at the end of bag B in the build instructions, but thought I’d record the first of the ‘upgrade to Pro’ hop up parts being added - the front one-way.

[futureworks 1038]

That’s the end of bag B in the instructions - gearboxes, drive chain, and steering assembly fitted. More another day!

[futureworks 1038]

Starting to take shape now that the hubs and rear stabilizer have been fitted. Next up is bag D, in this case D for dampers, of that’s the start point anyway, as the next stage will also involve adding the top deck, servos, and brake arm.

[svenb 4587]

Is there going to be a snazzy body or just the chassis?

[futureworks 1038]

So that’s the dampers done - lots of blue bling on this thing already! Now for the next hop up which is a carbon upper deck to replace the kit supplied plastic one. It’s been a very enjoyable build so far, and I’m taking my time over it. It’s very rare for me to build a brand new kit, as I’ve tended to end up refurbishing old models or stripping down and building them to a better spec, often adding some rare aftermarket parts sourced from Japan to make the end result somewhat unique/ different to the norm. 
 

@svenb, no I’m building this as a chassis only, I’ve no patience for bodies and am really only interested in the mechanics and engineering aspects of these more involved older kits.

[futureworks 1038]

Top deck now complete, servos fitted, steering connected, and brake/throttle arms fitted - and it’s the engine next!

[futureworks 1038]

A bit more progress, and also a small but not insurmountable snag. The FS12R engine together with its upgraded blue alu base has been fitted, together with the two speed pinions and flywheel assembly. All looking good. The next step is installing the fuel tank, and that’s where the snag has arisen. The tank in the kit is the wrong one; it’s part number 41051 which is the correct tank for the TG10R. I only realised this once I tried to fit the tank, and discovered that it has some extra and unwanted plastic on one side of the mounting holes - see red circle on the photo - which prevents the tank getting into the right position to screw it into the mounting posts on which it should sit. It turns out that the TG10 Mk.2 tank (41072) is basically identical to the TG10R one, except the TG10 Mk.2 one  doesn’t have the extra plastic near the mounting holes. The tank I have could have been mistakenly added to the kit when it was packed by Tamiya I suspect.. I guess the choice now is either to cut away the offending plastic (the pragmatic approach) or see if I can get hold of the correct part (the purist approach). Something to ponder as I pause the build for now. What would you do? 🤔

[mtbkym01 4710]

Looks awesome. I would initially try and find the “correct” tank, keeping the modification in reserve

[futureworks 1038]

Soon found the correct fuel tank (model shop in Belgium) and it only took another hour to finish it - looks great, more pics in my showroom. I’ll also experiment with another engine which I think should fit, so might add some more to this thread in the future. https://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=140139&id=16836